FLY-ROD FOR TROUT FISHING 25 



Halford, in his book The Theory And Practice of 

 Dry-Fly Fishing, declares very strongly in favor of 

 the split-bamboo of regular construction. 



Without going into the subject further, it may be 

 said that while the double-built, the steel-centered and 

 the eight-strip rods are undoubtedly efficient, their ad- 

 vantages over the six-strip rod are more theoretical than 

 practical. The angler may rest assured that if he se- 

 lects a good six-strip rod he has as good as there is. 



Another method of split-bamboo rod construction, 

 which is applied to solid wood rods as well, consists 

 of spirally winding the entire rod with fine metal 

 threads. The metal-whipped rods, either of split- 

 bamboo or solid wood, are good rods. Personally, I 

 have never used the metal-whipped rod, but I know 

 several very expert fly-fishermen who swear by them. 

 Metal-whipped rods are also made in England. 



Bear in mind that only the split-bamboo rod of 

 good quality deserves the unreserved recommendation 

 above other rods which is here and universally given 

 it. Only in the best split-bamboo rods is there that 

 unity of good material and conscientious workmanship 

 which insures to the angler a satisfactory tool. Cheap 

 split-bamboos are abominations, and the source of un- 

 ending trouble to the man who attempts to use them. 

 Also, it is quite possible to make a split-bamboo rod 

 which, to the eye of the novice, appears all that it should 

 be; in fact, it may even look better to the novice than 

 an unpretentious rod of the very highest quality to pro- 



